Drinking Water Quality in Debre Birhan Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Water quality is determined by the physicochemical and biological factors that influence the use of water for household purposes. Health problems associated with water are caused by poor drinking water quality. The study was carried out to determine drinking water quality in Debre Birhan town. 41 water samples were taken from various sources i.e. 12 from boreholes, 3 from reservoirs, 13 water taps within the distribution systems and 13 from household containers. Samples were collected from March to May of 2023. The sample collection was performed according to WHO drinking water sampling guidelines and analyzed in the laboratory using a photometer 7100 based on its procedures. The drinking water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total and fecal coliforms were analyzed onsite by different instruments. Whereas the chemical parameters such as nitrate, total hardness, calcium, chloride, sulfate, phosphate, iron, copper, fluorides and ammonia were analyzed in laboratory. The drinking water for the town came from groundwater might by affected by several industries, lack of sewerage system which influenced have a direct impact for the pollution of groundwater. Per capita consumption was calculated by dividing annual consumption by the number of people in a town, results a daily consumption of 38.44 L per person. Based on the findings, the result for Debre Birhan's drinking water quality were recorded as pH (7.33–7.76), EC ( 108.5–157.2μS/cm), TDS (54.5-79 mg/l), alkalinity (100–180 mg/l), total hardness( 65-150 mg/l), calcium (18-47 mg/l), chloride (2-10 mg/l), sulfate (0-9 mg/l), phosphate (0.2-2.80mg/l), iron (0-0.6mg/l), fluorides (0.17-1.2 mg/l) and nitrate (1.77-18.08mg/l). The WQI results at the source were classified as excellent 40%, good 47% and poor 13%. On the other hand, 85% and 77% of tap water and household containers samples respectively were under excellent category with the remaining results found in good class. Based on the sanitary assessment survey, 59% of participants store drinking water in containers, 97% responded that containers have lids, 54% stored water in homes, and 48% wash hands after lavatory use. Moreover, the absence of sewerage line system and poor waste management in the town leads to wastewater accumulation in septic tanks and pit latrines. Then it was transported by vacuum trucks and private vehicles. The finding of this study can provide valuable insights for professional in the water sectors, healthcare providers and government and non-government organizations.
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Keywords
Debre Birhan Town, Water Quality Parameters, Water Quality Index, Water Supply and Sanitation